Monday, May 15, 2006

Fedele may be Rell's Choice

Republican Gov. Rell's camp appears to be settling on former state legislator Michael Fedele. Fedele has three advantages. One: He's from Stamford, just like Democratic candidate Dan Malloy, so if Malloy ends up being the nominee, Fedele "can drive him nuts," as one knowledgeable Republican put it. Two: Fedele is Italian-American, just like the other possible Democratic nominee, John DeStefano. Third: He's rich. (Bass)

All good qualities.

What I know about Fedele could fill a thimble. I know he was a state representative from Stamford, and I know he lost to Andrew McDonald in a bid to replace outgoing Sen. George Jepsen, who was foolishly running for Lt. Governor at the time. Fedele was first elected in 1992, and had served as the CEO of a computer sales company in Stamford before then.

Either Stewart or Kalinowski would have brought more to the ticket, I feel, but then again I know very little about Fedele. Is he someone who can pick up the GOP banner in four years? Can he help bring money and possibly votes to the ticket?

One nice thing about him is that he appears to have no baggage. His record in the General Assembly seems uneventful, from a quick scan of newspaper articles, but there's nothing bad lurking in there.

We'll see if Fedele is her choice or not by the end of the week. In the meantime, I'd like to know more about the guy.

Former State Rep. Michael Fedele of Stamford will be the Republican nominee for lieutenant governor, The News-Times has learned.

The matter is not official yet, but Gov. M. Jodi Rell is expected to make the formal announcement at a press conference Thursday....Being from Stamford is also helpful, said Rep. John Frey, R-Ridgefield, who said Fedele’s name has been the buzz in the capitol on Monday.

"It’s great to have someone from lower Fairfield County who will understand the transportation needs," Frey said. "Maybe the governor would use him as the transportation czar." (Lucas)

Former State Rep. Michael Fedele of Stamford will be the Republican nominee for lieutenant governor, The News-Times has learned.

The matter is not official yet, but Gov. M. Jodi Rell is expected to make the formal announcement at a press conference Thursday.

Two high ranking Republican officials, who requested that their names not be used, said members of the Rell campaign staff told them Rell made her final decision late last week.

Further, former state GOP chairman Richard Foley told The News-Times reports of Rell’s decision were solid.

"It’s as much a certainty as there can be in politics," Foley said. "If you want guarantees in politics, buy a refrigerator. I had a conversation with someone of significance involved with the campaign this morning about it."

Fedele couldn’t be reached for comment Monday.

Fedele was elected to the state House of Representative in 1992, and served until 2002. That year he ran unsuccessfully for an open state senate seat against Andrew McDonald.

He is the CEO of the Pinnacle Group, a computer sales and leasing company based in Stamford.

Losing his last campaign shouldn’t’ be a liability, Foley, the GOP chairman, said.

"He is a very bright guy and well spoken, intelligent and a refreshing new face," Foley said.

Being from Stamford is also helpful, said Rep. John Frey, R-Ridgefield, who said Fedele’s name has been the buzz in the capitol on Monday.

"It’s great to have someone from lower Fairfield County who will understand the transportation needs," Frey said. "Maybe the governor would use him as the transportation czar."

Bysiewicz ridiculed the notion of running for LG at the 5th CD nominating convention tonight. I do not believe she would lie to my face. Whoever posted the rumor deserves to remain anonymous. I can only imagine that it is Norma or someone supporting her trying to shake something loose. I don't think Norma is even a delegate to the convention, but is still going to speak. Talk about a big tent approach....

I didn't ask Audrey Blondin directly about the LG thing, but I have to say she acts like someone who really is on the bubble. FWIW.

Murphy was impressive with his acceptance speech. The crowd left in a great mood, and the pizza and open bar reception afterward was reasonably well attended.

Not a Lieberman nor Lamont lapel pin or sticker in sight tonight. Talking with people afterwards, there are a few Lamont votes coming from the Fifth, but absolutely no connection whatsoever between the Gubernatorial and the Senatorial. I won't be surprised if Lamont breaks twenty-five percent after all - and I didn't believe that this morning.

And, equally clearly, it is ALL about the war, for those who say they are going Lamont at the convention. For those going Lieberman, it's that the war, as bad as it is, doesn't trump the everything else they are fine with Lieberman about. Like I said, it is all about Iraq.

DeStefano people were confident about the outcome of the convention. Malloy people were more cautious, and Malloy was at the pizza and beer thing, and was consistently saying it is a jump ball at this point.

I'll tell you one thing for certain - I am really looking forward to Friday and Saturday.

The notion that Rell could siphon Italian American votes from JDS with Fedele is pretty far-fetched. Fedele is an unremarkable politician with very strong pro-business republican views. I doubt that they will be flipping coins at the Knights of Columbus: Hmm, let's see...the CEO with the diamond pinky ring or the big city machine guy recently remade as a Prius-driving lefty. The Italian Americans I know are either smart enough to vote their views or have been deluded by the Republican Party, just like the rest of the population.

Rell is scared most by Dan Malloy. She doesn't need to do anything to beat DeStefano.

I've lived in Stamford since Fedele was first elected. I was less involved in politics back then, however, other than his loss to McDonald, I don't remember much about him. My guess is that he might swing a few Stamford Republicans, but that is about it.

By the sounds of it, Malloy and DeStefano are set to name LG candidates that will help their tickets much more than Fedele will help Rell's ticket.

Audrey Blondin would be a great choice for LG by JDS. She has over 20 years of political experience in the state, and visited over 100 town committees during her SOTS run. She would be a huge boost for DeStefano in the 5th CD, and would also help out with delegates from central CT. With all the labor support, JDS will ultimately beat Malloy if it goes to primary.

The probelm with the Republican party is that they have no minor league system and no rising stars. The Republican party has nobody groomed for the future, much unlike to democrats who have numerous rising stars.

NEW HAVEN - Ned Lamont's United States Senate campaign will announce a major endorsement today at 1 p.m. at the YWCA in Hartford, Connecticut.

The press conference, in the Soromundi Room on the first floor, is being hosted jointly by Lamont and the National Organization for Women's PAC. The YWCA is at 135 Broad St.

In addition to remarks by Lamont and NOW PAC officials, the event will feature posters of maps, created by a Connecticut volunteer, that have been called a "brilliant piece of guerrilla protest." It will also feature representatives of a feminist web site launched recently in support of Lamont.

NOW National officials, including Vice President Melody Drnach, will be on hand for the announcement.

Has to be a judge. Not much chance of beating AG for life Blumenthal. At least he is a viable candidate, for a change. Also, puts Beth Bye into a front runners role in West Hartford. Not really a fan of hers, but with the chaos in the WHRTC, they have zero shot of winning a race this year.

I wouldn't say zero, but certainly it will be hard for the Republicans in West Hartford to get their act together. I also don't think they have anyone nearly as popular as Beth (despite your reservations, Kerryguy).

As for the State ticket, it does look like the Repubs are putting together more credible candidates for the underticket than they have in years. I wonder why. Aside from Rell, I doubt this will be a good year for the GOP. I suspect that Rell is handing out some big favors to recruit these candidates.

Agree 100%. To be honest, I am shocked by this. I wonder if Kevin Connors, who ran for State Senate when Sullivan moved to Lt Gov and lives in the 19th, will go for the Rep seat here. That could turn into a decent race.

Let's start in the 5th CD with State Senator Chris Murphy is ready to move into the big time. From there we can look at DeStefano and Malloy who are both making the step from mayor to candidates for governor and lead a host of popular Mayors they could tap at any time. Then there is Harris, the Senate from West Hartford I would certainly label an up and comer as well. Do I need to go on?

And the R's have? Hmmm...well...nobody. Well, OK, Kevin O'Connor who isn't interested and Tim Stewart. My point is simply the R's have to recruit these folks from within the circle to run a decent underticket because there is nobody else to ask.

It's a numbers game. The Republicans have very few in Hartford, and many of them, as was said before, fall into the "old fart" category. Democrats have many in Hartford across a broad spectrum including farts, queefs (spelling?) and hershey squirts. Therefore the Democrats have more people in leadership roles who consider themselves party stars: Amann, Williams, Nappier, Wyman, Blumie, Susie, Sulli, Looney, and Donny. Then there's your congresspeople, your big city mayors, your nondescript fatties like Mantilla. All apparently regarded as leaders ready to take on or continue the mantle of leadership.

The Republicans have......(pin drop).

Rell, Johnson, Shays, and Simmons. No one else is ready for primetime. The GOP bench is growing, but let's not moan and groan about how the Dems are lacking in personnel.

2inda and Disgruntled, I guess you point is well taken. My thought is that there does not appear to be up and coming, young stars on either side. Usually it is the same old, "Amann, Williams, Nappier, Wyman, Blumie, Susie, Sulli, Looney, and Donny" Good people, but the bench may only be Murphy and Harris.

I do think Connors lives in the 19th, but I have no idea if he wants to run. The district is better than it used to be for R's, since redistricting put in a piece of Avon and Devonwood in Farmington. Still, a tough race in a D town.

As for benches for both parties - I agree with Harris, as well as WH mayor Scott Slifka. Murphy, Andrew McDonald and Bob Duff in the Senate. In the House, Melissa Olsen, O'Connor, Ryan Barry and Chris Stone.For the R's, Sean Williams, John McKinney, Roraback, Hamzy, Klarides, Cappiello, Labriola, plus mayors Stewart, Boughton, and Bingham.As the old guard moves on, people will rise up to fill the leadership vacuum. There are plenty of sharp people on both sides, they just aren't well known yet.

Wow! Interesting choice Jodi!Fedele seems to be a great selection... I have met him on a number of occasions and he is extremely intelligent & personable. He should impress many. He has a decade of legislative experience. His business experience and new ideas should only boost his value (CT economy anyone?) Seems like he'd know transportation issues (commuting from Stamford to Hartford for 10 years). Seems like a good choice to me.

Fedele is whom many in the state were pushing to run against Malloy for Mayor of Stamford last year. Most were certain he would've beaten Malloy (he probably would seeing how Malloy only won 51% to a 46% showing from a no-name with no political experience Chris Munger).

I believe people will be pleasantly surprised with Fedele. Malloy will be shaking in his boots come November... if he makes it that far...(doubtful)...

I left Fleishman off my list of up-and-comers because he can't even get out of his own town, let alone run for a state wide office. He wanted to succeed Kevin Sullivan and got aced out by Harris. Even Slifka has more promise than Andy. If and when Bysiewicz ever leaves, Fleishman will be an also-ran in a crowded field looking to succeed her.

I agree with bluecoat and disgruntled on the lack of Republican stars. For many of them, they have to hold their places in order to hold the line against a Dem majority. Then again, in Republican rich areas like the Naugy valley, NW CT and Fairfield County, there is room for upwards mobility.

As for Fedele, his lack of name recognition didn't hurt Rowland. Who knew who Jodi was 10 years ago? Who knew of her 2 years ago?! Yeah, her name was on the title, but no one knew anything about her. And she's stilly mysterious.

Lastly- no offense, but why does money always come in as a qualification for a Republican to run on this board! Yes the Party is cash-strapped, but.. well.. Hmm.. I guess it is true. I do see other Republican's eyes go buggy when they realize "he has money!- Sure you can run!" And that- instead of issues- is why they get selected at conventions.

It would be lovely to see a good Republican without cash -but with some good organizational skills - perhaps coming up through the non profit arena or something moving up in the ranks....

Wolcott Guy I don't think it's important to have personal money to run (although it helps) but rather an ability to RAISE money. Fedele is wealthy, but has lots of wealthy Gold Coast friends. He raised over $200k in his lost Senate race. I don't see him dropping much of his own fortune into this, but a few fundraisers down in FC will pay his own way in the race.